Presentación de The First Wing

At Heathrow Terminal 5

British Airways

Abril 2017

British Airways is delighted to open The First Wing, a new and exclusive experience for premium customers travelling through Heathrow Terminal 5. Here are five of the key enhancements to look out for…

1. A bespoke design

British Airways has worked with Universal Design Studio, an award-winning London studio, to create The First Wing. Stylish oak marquetry inside is based on a BA heritage design, while a glass and mirror chandelier wall gives the area a light and modern feel. Hannah Carter Owers, Director of Universal Design Studio says: “We took our cues from the British Airways First cabin, bringing texture, warmth and luxury to Terminal 5. Incorporating elements of BA’s design heritage gives The First Wing a bespoke, crafted feel.”

The First Wing is a seamless, intuitive and dedicated route for British Airways’ customers to begin their journey in supreme comfort.

2. An exclusive entrance

Customers are invited to enter The First Wing through a scalloped steel and glass enclosure, with the centrepiece carrying the iconic BA coat of arms. At the entrance, premium hosts are on hand to offer the highest standards of service. Hannah Carter Owers, says: “This is designed to be a seamless, intuitive and dedicated route for British Airways’ most valued customers to begin their journey in supreme comfort.”

Look closer

Each scallop of the wall has been hand-folded by a team of specialist London metalworkers over a course of several months.

A nod to the past

BA heritage designs, including the original British Airways Speedbird marque, have been incorporated into the exclusive area.

A close-up of the British Airways coat of arms above the entrance to The First Wing

Let there be light

The design team integrated light into The First Wing experience to create a softer, more human feel.

Details from the sparkling chandelier wall

3. A dedicated security lane

Inside the First Wing’s check-in area, customers will be guided to a new, spacious security channel, offering premium finishes. It’s then a direct route to the Galleries First lounge and the Concorde Room. Yasmin Shahin, brand and design management for BA says: “Our premium team have been fully briefed to look after the needs of premium customers at every stage of their journey – and they’re excited to do so.”

4. Greater privacy

At three metres high and 29 metres long, a specially designed curved, fluted wall, keeps the area separate and private. Hannah Carter Owers says: “The metallic wall signifies that customers are about to enter something quite special and exclusive. We’ve incorporated lighting into the experience to create something softer and more human within the airport.”

A CGI render of The First Wing

5. Enhanced space

Responding to expectations, The First Wing check-in area alone is more than 250 per cent greater in size than what has existed before. The First Wing also boasts a new, more spacious seating area, and includes armchairs, marble- topped side tables and bespoke leather banquettes. Yasmin Shahin says “Everything has been rigorously tested to ensure it’s of the highest quality and to provide BA’s most valued customers with a calm space to pause before continuing their journey.”